Natalie Ayers Named 2017 Missouri State Fair Queen

Miss Natalie Ayers from Green City was named the 2017 Missouri State Fair Queen in a ceremony held yesterday, Aug. 10.

Miss Ayers received the highest score of 49 contestants vying for the title in the two-day competition held in the Mathewson Exhibition Center. Miss Ayers will reign over the remaining State Fair events and be an ambassador for the State Fair and Missouri agriculture throughout the coming year.

Miss Ayers is 19-years-old and studies Science and Agricultural Journalism at the University of Missouri. As Queen, she will receive a $2,000 scholarship to continue her education. She entered as Miss Sullivan County, and is the daughter of Rick and Jonna Ayers.

“When I was four-years-old I started watching the Missouri State Fair Queen Pageant and I knew someday I wanted to be the Missouri State Fair Queen,” said Ayers.  “As a livestock exhibitor and long-time fairgoer, I am looking forward to serving as an ambassador for the Missouri State Fair during the Fair and in the coming year.”

Miss Ayres is a member of the Green City FFA Chapter and represented Area III last year as a state officer for the Missouri FFA Association.  She is a College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) ambassador and a member of Sigma Alpha at the University of Missouri. She has been chosen for the Litton Leadership Scholars Program for the upcoming year.

Participants in the queen pageant were judged in multiple areas including interview, speech, talent and evening gown.

Miss Emma Leamer was named first runner-up and will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Second runner-up went to Miss Jessica Hoelting, who will receive a $500 scholarship. The third runner-up honor went to Miss Rebecca Helton, who will receive a $350 scholarship, and the fourth runner-up honor went to Miss Stephanie Schumacher, who will receive a $250 scholarship.

Recognition plaques went to contestants ranking highest in each of the four competitive categories: Miss Ayers received top ranking in Interview and Speech; Miss Leamer received top ranking in Evening Gown; and Miss Brittany Burns received top ranking in Talent.